Author: Rhys Gregory

The different ways in which nature contributes to people’s social, cultural and spiritual well-being needs to be better reflected in key political and economic decisions, according to a new study published in the prestigious science journal Nature. The study, co-authored by Mike Christie, Professor of Environmental and Ecological Economics at Aberystwyth University’s Business School and his colleague Professor Jasper Kenter, says the value of the natural world extends far beyond the current emphasis on short-term profits and economic growth. According to the study’s international team of authors, market-based values of nature – such as those associated with intensively-produced food and…

Often dubbed ‘the best pizza in Newport’, the owners of Al Forno (part of Yard Group Ltd), have announced that the pizzeria will cease trading on September 3rd and merge with sister company, Tin Can Kitchen. Originally conceived as part of a wider plan to operate a street food-style food court and cultural space from the car park of What! Stores, Rogerstone, Al Forno re-launched as a food delivery service alongside Tin Can Kitchen, in November 2020. Popular with local residents, with many praising the quality of the food on offer, owners Barry Fallon and Jordan Phillips have decided to…

Funding applications are now open for projects aimed at boosting Swansea’s rural communities. Grant funding is being made available to projects that support themes including rural economy and visitor experience, natural environment and climate emergency, innovation, and health and well-being. The funding is part of a rural anchor project being run by Swansea Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Projects that will be considered for funding include capital grants for investment in renewable energy for community benefit. Potential projects could include renewable energy schemes for community buildings or community car and bike charging…

Police in Cardiff are appealing for witnesses to a robbery in North Road, Gabalfa, which happened earlier this week (Tuesday, August 8). At around 5.15am, a report was received of a cash delivery vehicle being attacked near to Tesco Express by people on a motorbike. The driver of van was assaulted and a cash box containing a significant amount of money was stolen. It is believed there are three suspects and the motorbike involved is described as orange and black. Detective Sergeant Phil Marchant, from South Wales Police, said: “The victim is understandably shaken up by this incident and has…

14 brand new one-bedroom flats have officially opened in Penarth, the Vale of Glamorgan Council have announced. Each property can accommodate two people and the scheme includes dedicated parking bays and a low maintenance communal garden. Following an assessment of local housing need, the Council identified a need for additional housing for those 55 years and over. Nick Jones, Operational Manager, Public Housing Services said: “There are currently over 6,000 households on the waiting list for social housing in the Vale, including significant numbers of older people. “The ageing population in the Vale will mean greater numbers of older people…

Getting to Cardiff International Airport by public transport has been made easier thanks to a new integrated rail and bus ticket partnership between Transport for Wales (TfW) and Adventure Travel, who operate the 905 service. Users looking to travel to the airport can now catch a rail service to Rhoose (Cardiff International Airport) and connect with the 905 bus service from the station to Cardiff International Airport all on one ticket. The new fares have been integrated with the rail and bus timetables, simply add ‘Cardiff Air Ria’ into either your origin or destination journey to search for your ticket.…

A new block of 28 apartments that will help Cardiff Council to expand its temporary accommodation for families in the city is nearing completion on the site of a former Morrisons supermarket in Pentwyn. The new homes, on Pentwyn Drive, comprise 20 two-bedroom apartments and eight one-bedroom apartments in a three-storey building. The homes are being built by Willis Construction for Linc Cymru, a registered social landlord based in Cardiff, with funding support from the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant programme. Earlier this year, the Council agreed to lease the block from the association and use them to house families…

A city-wide cleansing service, introduced by Swansea Council in 2022, has led to more than 400 sites in the city being cleaned and spruced up. The Council launched the new Cleansing Ward Operative Teams (CWOT) initiative to tackle issues within communities that are not part of the regular cleansing regime and relies on information from members of the public and ward members to direct teams. Since January this year, more than 400 sites have been tackled, ranging from litter clearance to removal of overgrown bushes, cleaning traffic and street signs and fly-tipping removal. The improvements have not gone unnoticed with…

A Men’s Shed that equally welcomes women and has become a focal point in Clydach is one of a number to have benefited from funding from Swansea Council. As well as providing a welcoming place for people to enjoy a cuppa and chat, The Old Blacksmiths runs activities and also away days that has seen boating on the nearby canal, bus trips to Mumbles and Tenby and even a chance to try indoor rock climbing. Swansea Council is once again supporting Men’s Sheds across the city by making £25,000 available to support existing sheds and the development of new ones.…

During this cost-of-living crisis it can cost around £70 to fill the tank of a mid-sized family car, so it’s important for residents to be reassured that they’re getting the right amount of fuel that they’re paying for. Using specialist measuring equipment a total of 105 pumps were checked for accuracy across the 5 fuel stations in Merthyr Tydfil. All the fuel pumps that were tested were found to be accurate and within the tolerances permitted by law. Michelle Symonds, Cabinet Member for Public Protections, said: “The Trading Standards Service sometimes operate as an invisible service, working behind the scenes…